In the second half, Southampton started brightly but failed to create any clear chances. Liverpool brought on Raheem Sterling for Philippe Coutinho. Almost immediately, he scored Liverpool’s second, steering in Suarez’s pass from the right after the Uruguayan cleverly got away from Dejan Lovren.

Liverpool continued to threaten and Suarez almost scored directly from a corner at Boruc’s near post; a minute later he dragged another shot just wide of goal.

With seconds remaining, Suarez earned a penalty for Steven Gerrard to convert, sending Liverpool to second place, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference but four points behind Chelsea.

KEY EVENTS

13’ - SOUTHAMPTON PENALTY CLAIM: Adam Lallana is barged over by John Flanagan in the box, but the referee rules it a fair challenge.

16’ - SUAREZ GOAL (Southampton 0-1 Liverpool): After the ball ricochets around the Southampton defence outside the box, the ball runs to Luis Suarez, who strokes the ball past Boruc.

32’ - LALLANA MISS: Rickie Lambert chests down a cross into the path of Lallana, who takes one touch and shoots against the post.

37’ - BORUC SAVE: Daniel Sturridge pulls the ball back for Suarez to fire at the near post, but Boruc saves.

43’ - MIGNOLET SAVE: Luke Shaw sends in a low cross, Lallana allows it to run to Rodriguez, who takes one touch before shooting towards goal - Mignolet is down smartly to save.

Liverpool are mounting a genuine title challenge. Written off for so long given their previous failings and their continued defensive weakness, it may be up to Chelsea and Manchester City alone to end their ambitions - there are no other teams better than them in the league.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Luis Suarez (Liverpool): His run resulted in the defensive mistake which he ended up converting to win the match, he set up Sterling’s goal with clever work, won the penalty for Steven Gerrard, and he was committed throughout, harrying Southampton’s defence.